Tuesday, July 12, 2011

As of July 1, all single-family homes in California with a fireplace, gas-burning appliance or attached garage are required to have carbon monoxide detectors installed. It is estimated that 30-40 Californians die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning. The California Senate Bill 183 is aimed at decreasing this death rate. A similar law will go into effect in 2013 for condominiums.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and orderless gas. Symptoms resulting from inhaling the gas are often mistaken for the flu. Carbon monoxide (CO2) detectors will alert occupants to the true danger.

CO2 detectors should be placed in or near each sleeping area. For extra precaution, one may also be placed 20 feet away from each gas appliance.